The 66 days the Pilgrims spent traveling across the Atlantic is only documented in two paragraphs, written by William Bradford. As Nathanial Philbrick, author of Mayflower puts it, “The physical and psychological punishment endured by the passengers in the dark and dripping ‘tween decks was compounded by the terrifying lack of information they possessed concerning their ultimate destination.
We do know that Mayflower carried 102 passengers; 50 adult men, 19 adult women, and 33 children (although these numbers are estimates, as some of the passengers’ dates of birth are unknown.
So what did the Pilgrims eat and drink while on their journey to the New World? They most likely had dried meat and fish, cheese, dried fruit, biscuits, grains, flour, and dried beans and peas. When their water supply became unfit to drink, the Pilgrims drank beer. In fact, in the seventeenth century, many people always chose beer over water, as the latter was often contaminated.
Speaking of beer, we’re teaming up with Mayflower Brewing Company of Plymouth this November to bring you Plymouth 400 commemorative pint glasses during our annual Illuminate event on November 21st! Stop by a participating restaurant and receive a free Plymouth 400 pint glass when you order any Mayflower brew!
Fun Fact: Mayflower Brewing Company was founded by a tenth great-grandson of John Alden himself!
I am an enthusiast with a deep understanding of historical narratives, particularly those surrounding the Pilgrims' journey to the New World aboard the Mayflower. My extensive knowledge is drawn from a variety of sources, including primary documents, scholarly works, and historical accounts that provide a comprehensive view of this pivotal period.
Now, delving into the article from November 3, 2015, we are presented with intriguing insights into the 66-day voyage of the Pilgrims across the Atlantic. The information is primarily derived from the writings of William Bradford, one of the key figures among the Pilgrims. Nathaniel Philbrick, author of "Mayflower," emphasizes the physical and psychological challenges faced by the passengers during their journey. This adds a layer of authenticity to the account, as Philbrick's expertise in maritime history and his meticulous research contribute to the credibility of the information presented.
The article mentions the demographic composition of the Mayflower's passengers, with 102 individuals on board—50 adult men, 19 adult women, and 33 children. It is acknowledged that these numbers are estimates due to the unknown birthdates of some passengers, highlighting the historical challenges in documenting precise details from that era.
The focus then shifts to the dietary habits of the Pilgrims during the voyage. The hardships faced compelled them to consume a variety of preserved foods, including dried meat and fish, cheese, dried fruit, biscuits, grains, flour, and dried beans and peas. The scarcity of potable water led the Pilgrims to rely on beer as a primary beverage. This aligns with the historical context of the seventeenth century when beer was often preferred over water due to concerns about water contamination.
A fascinating connection to the modern era is introduced in the article—the collaboration between the author or publication and the Mayflower Brewing Company of Plymouth. The tie-in with the Plymouth 400 commemorative pint glasses during the Illuminate event adds a contemporary touch to the historical narrative. The mention that the Mayflower Brewing Company was founded by a tenth great-grandson of John Alden, a Pilgrim aboard the Mayflower, provides an interesting link between past and present, illustrating how history continues to influence and connect with contemporary culture.
